DEVELOPING SPEECH PROFICIENCY OF THE IGBO LEARNER OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE THROUGH THE USE OF IGBO TALES

Chukwueloka, Christian Chukwuloo

Department of English

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Universit Anambra State

Email: cc.chukwueloka@coou.edu.ng; chukchch@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Many advocates of the communicative approach to language study contend that comprehensive input and carefully structured communication opportunities are sufficient for language acquisition to take place. This work which centres on developing speech proficiency through the use of Igbo tales, argued that using the Igbo tales to teach the Igbo learners of English as a second language will certainly enhance their proficiency in speech. The paper adopted the communicative competence approach and demonstrated that proper input will lead to a better output. The paper posited that the use of Igbo tales in teaching speech skills will lead to a more developed speech proficiency. The paper as well highlighted the importance of the speaking skill over the other language skills and concluded that a truly organized Igbo tale used to teach speech skill will enhance it.

Keynotes: English language, Igbo learner, Igbo tales, speech proficiency